NEARLY three weeks ago my partner booked a meal for 14 for Saturday April 12 at Le Frog restaurant, Springfield Street. They had no tables available for 8pm, the time she wanted, but assured her they could fit in her party for 9pm. She agreed and paid a £70 deposit.

On arriving that Saturday night, we were told that they were running late (no hint of an apology) and we would have to wait and have a drink at the bar. At 9.45pm I asked what was happening to be told 'I think they are laying the table now'. The table was in fact ready at 10.15pm - an hour and fifteen minutes late. I asked the waiter if we would get any compensation for our long delay and he turned his back and walked away, totally ignoring me. Eventually they took our order and again I asked about compensation, and was told curtly "you will have to see the manager".

The manager came and I was told "no, we are not in the habit of giving compensation, we are not in business for that! I said it was not very good customer service, to which he replied: "Well what do you expect, it's Saturday night - we are busy!" He also added that he had not promised a table for 9pm. We asked him why he had taken our booking when he could not handle it, and he gave no answer. He then suggested that if the evening was going to continue in this direction, we might as well forget the whole thing and have our money back. At this remark several of our party got up and started walking out and my partner got her refund. At no time did we have so much as an apology for their poor service or the staff's off-hand behaviour.

We then walked down to Efes Indian/Greek restaurant, where we were greeted with welcoming smiles and they found space for all of us, without any booking.

HUNGRY CUSTOMER

Stockton Heath